Exterior home design is not the only consideration when selecting a new construction home, interior design is equally important. In this blog, we’ll cover some popular interior styles and what differentiates them.
Mixing and layering colors, shapes, textures, and patterns can give you infinite home design possibilities. Ultimately, the difference between home interior design styles lies in how these elements layer and mix. It’s best to have a continuous flow of design style and aesthetics from exterior to interior.
Interior Home Design Styles
Craftsman Design Style
The Craftsman home style, also known as the Craftsman bungalow, is a distinctive architectural style that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. This architectural style focuses on horizontal lines, natural materials, and hand-crafted details.
Here are some themes you can expect to see within Craftsman interior design:
Materials
- Craftsman homes typically feature natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. These materials are often left in their natural state or with minimal treatment to highlight their inherent beauty and texture.
Fixtures
- Fixtures in Craftsman homes like door handles, lighting fixtures, and hardware are often made of materials like wrought iron, copper, or brass.
Textures
- Craftsman homes often incorporate a variety of textures, like rough-hewn wood, exposed beams, and stone accents. These textures add visual interest and contribute to the cozy, rustic feel of the interior and exterior spaces.
Colors
- The Craftsman color palette typically includes earthy tones inspired by nature. This can include shades of brown, green, tan, and rust. Rich, warm colors are often used both inside and outside the home to create a welcoming and harmonious environment.
- When choosing paint, stick to cool-toned shades to counteract the warm wood tones.
Architectural
- Craftsman architecture is characterized by its low-pitched, gabled roofs, wide eaves with exposed rafters, and large front porches supported by tapered columns or pillars. The exterior often features a combination of wood siding, stone accents, and decorative elements such as brackets and corbels.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture in Craftsman homes tends to be sturdy, functional, and often handcrafted. Mission-style furniture, characterized by clean lines, simple forms, and quality craftsmanship, is commonly found in Craftsman interiors.
- Furniture pieces are often made of oak or other hardwoods and feature minimal ornamentation.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Craftsman homes often emphasize craftsmanship and attention to detail. Interior features may include built-in cabinetry, such as bookcases and window seats, as well as intricate woodwork, such as wainscoting and crown molding.
- Fireplaces with tiled surrounds and natural stone hearths are also common focal points in Craftsman interiors. Additionally, large windows with divided panes allow plenty of natural light into the home and connect the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.
Traditional Design Style
This style is a classic, timeless design that is simple yet sophisticated.
Here are some things you can expect to see within traditional interior design:
Materials
- The traditional style emphasizes rich, classic materials like mahogany, cherry wood, and marble, often with intricate detailing and ornate craftsmanship.
Fixtures
- Fixtures are typically more elaborate and decorative, featuring intricate designs and luxurious finishes like brass or oil-rubbed bronze.
Textures
- Textures lean towards the opulent, with plush fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade, as well as intricate patterns such as damask, stripes, plaid, and floral prints. These are used everywhere including furniture and window treatments.
Colors
- Colors are rich and warm, featuring deep shades like burgundy, navy, and forest green, often complemented by gold or copper accents.
Architectural
- Architectural details are prominent and elaborate, with features like crown molding, wainscoting, and coffered ceilings adding depth and sophistication.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture is often characterized by its ornate detailing, curved lines, and decorative carvings, with upholstery in plush and comfortable fabrics.
- Often ornately detailed with dark wood.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Emphasizes formal elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from historical periods like Georgian, Victorian, or French Rococo, and prioritizing symmetry and harmony in design.
Transitional Interior Design Style
Just like in the exterior design, Transitional is a crossover between Traditional style and modern contemporary style. It is a classic, timeless design that is simple yet sophisticated.
This style focuses on creating a timeless and versatile aesthetic that can evolve with changing trends, often incorporating elements of both modern and classic design for a balanced look.
Here are some specific elements you can expect to see within Transitional interior design:
Materials:
- Utilizes a mix of modern finishes like stainless steel or glass with warmer, natural elements such as wood, rattan, steel, or stone. These natural elements are often paired with Mirrored glass and metallic furnishings and decor
Fixtures
- Fixtures tend to be lean more contemporary, and are simpler and less ornate, with clean lines and minimal embellishments.
Textures
- Suede, chenille, and leather fabrics. Textures are often varied but balanced, incorporating a mix of smooth and rough textures for visual interest.
- Often uses metallic accents through gold, copper, or bronze in light fixtures, plumbing accents, and accessories
- Use rugs, throw pillows, and blankets to add texture
Colors
- Neutral color palette including cream, taupe, warmer grays, and neutral blues, Highlighted contrast through textures or tones.
- Color palettes are usually neutral with pops of color for accents, leaning towards soft, muted tones like beige, gray, or taupe.
Architectural
- Focal points, like the fireplace or millwork detail, are typically simpler and more streamlined, with clean profiles and minimal ornamentation.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture is comfortable and livable, with a combination of curves and straight lines
Other Noteworthy Features:
- Try incorporating colorful accessories that lean traditional like oil paintings, floral arrangements, or a bowl of faux oranges.
Modern Design Style
Modern and contemporary designs are often confused, however, Modern style came on the radar in the early to mid-20th century, while Contemporary style is always changing and refers to whatever is new.
Our current definition of Modern style comes from mixing Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and post-modern design.
For example, furniture in modern designs has clean lines with smooth, sleek surfaces. In particular metal, chrome, and glass are favorite choices among designers.
With modern interiors, décor is kept minimal. They tend to ditch the knick-knacks and use art as the main décor. It’s common to see bold, primary colorful accents in art and furniture in a mostly neutral space.
Here are some specific elements you can expect to see within Modern interior design:
Materials
- The modern style emphasizes sleek, minimalist materials such as glass, steel, and concrete, often with an emphasis on industrial-inspired finishes like polished concrete floors or stainless steel countertops.
Fixtures
- Fixtures are typically simple and functional, with clean lines and minimalist designs. Stainless steel or matte black finishes are common for faucets, lighting fixtures, and hardware.
Textures
- Textures are often smooth and minimalist, with an emphasis on clean surfaces and streamlined finishes. Textures like polished stone, smooth leather, and frosted glass may be used to add visual interest without overpowering the space.
Colors
- Color palettes tend to be neutral with occasional pops of bold, saturated hues for contrast. White, black, and shades of gray are common base colors, with accents of bright colors like red, yellow, or blue used sparingly for visual impact, especially in post-modern spaces.
Architectural
- Architectural elements are characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and open floor plans. Large windows, flat roofs, and asymmetrical facades are common features, with an emphasis on maximizing natural light and creating a sense of openness.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture designs prioritize functionality and simplicity, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
- Pieces often feature innovative materials like molded plastic or bent plywood, and modular designs are popular for their versatility and adaptability to modern living spaces.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Focuses on creating a sense of openness and connectivity, with an emphasis on integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces.
- Sustainable design principles and energy-efficient technologies may also be incorporated to align with modern lifestyle preferences.
Mid-Century Modern Design Style
Mid-century modern home style refers to a design movement that emerged primarily in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1940s to the 1960s and remains popular today for its timeless appeal.
Here’s a breakdown of key mid-century modern characteristics across various elements:
Materials
- Common materials include natural woods like teak, walnut, and oak for furniture and paneling.
- Metals such as aluminum, steel, and chrome are prevalent, often in sleek, geometric forms for furniture legs, lighting fixtures, and decorative accents.
- Concrete and glass are also frequently used, particularly in the construction of walls, flooring, and large windows to create an open and airy feel.
Fixtures
- Lighting fixtures in mid-century modern homes often feature clean lines and geometric shapes, with pendant lights, Sputnik chandeliers, and floor lamps being popular choices.
- Fixtures like doorknobs, handles, and faucets typically have simple, minimalist designs with a focus on functionality.
Textures
- Textures in mid-century modern design tend to be smooth and streamlined. Textiles such as wool, leather, and tweed are common for upholstery and rugs, adding warmth and texture to the space.
- Textured wall panels or brick accent walls might also be incorporated to provide visual interest without overwhelming the clean lines of the design.
Colors
- Neutral colors like white, beige, and gray serve as the backdrop for mid-century modern interiors, allowing vibrant accent colors to pop.
- Bold, saturated hues such as mustard yellow, olive green, burnt orange, and teal are frequently used as accent colors in furnishings, artwork, and decor.
Architectural
- Mid-century modern architecture often utilizes open floor plans, large windows, and seamless integration with nature.
- Indoor-outdoor living is encouraged through the incorporation of features like sliding glass doors, outdoor patios, and landscaped gardens, promoting a connection with the surrounding environment.
- Flat or low-pitched roofs with wide eaves are characteristic, along with asymmetrical facades and geometric forms.
- Post-and-beam construction allows for expansive glass walls, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture designs are iconic in mid-century modern style, featuring clean lines, organic curves, and minimal ornamentation. Designs often favor styles that are long and low.
- Furniture legs are often tapered peg legs, hairpin legs, have brass caps, or are angled outward.
- Iconic mid-century modern furniture includes designs by renowned designers such as Eames, Saarinen, and Jacobsen, encompassing lounge chairs, dining tables, and storage solutions.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Mid-century modern homes may include built-in cabinetry, shelving units, and room dividers to maximize storage and define spaces.
- Statement-making fireplace surrounds, often constructed from natural stone or brick, serve as focal points within living areas.
Art Deco Interior Design
Art Deco emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and a sense of luxury and modernity.
Here are some things you can expect to see within Art Deco interior design:
Materials
- Art Deco interiors often feature luxurious materials such as exotic woods (e.g., ebony, rosewood), chrome, glass, lacquer, and mirrors.
Common Fixtures
- Brass or chrome fixtures with sleek, streamlined designs are common in Art Deco spaces.
Textures
- Smooth, glossy finishes, polished surfaces, and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk are typical textures in Art Deco interiors.
Colors
- Bold, vibrant colors such as deep blues, emerald greens, rich reds, and metallics like gold and silver are prevalent in Art Deco design.
Architectural
- Art Deco architecture often incorporates stepped or zigzag patterns, geometric motifs, and stylized representations of nature (e.g., sunbursts and fountains) into buildings.
Furniture Notes
- Art Deco furniture designs feature geometric shapes, streamlined silhouettes, and luxurious upholstery. Pieces may include lacquered finishes, mirrored surfaces, and exotic wood accents.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Art Deco interiors often include decorative elements like sunburst mirrors, geometric-patterned rugs, and stylized lighting fixtures. The style is known for its emphasis on luxury, glamour, and sophistication.
Industrial Interior Design
The Industrial style draws inspiration from old factories and warehouses, showcasing raw and rugged materials with a focus on functionality and simplicity.
Here are some things you can expect to see within Industrial interior design:
Materials
- Industrial interiors showcase materials such as exposed brick, weathered wood, concrete, steel, and reclaimed materials.
Fixtures
- Industrial-style fixtures often feature utilitarian designs, with exposed pipes, metal light fixtures, and simple, unadorned hardware.
Textures
- Rough, unfinished textures such as distressed wood, aged metals, and concrete are characteristic of Industrial design.
Colors
- Neutral tones like gray, brown, black, and white dominate Industrial interiors, with occasional pops of color from accents or industrial-inspired art pieces.
Architectural
- Industrial architecture embraces open floor plans, high ceilings, and large windows, often showcasing exposed structural elements like beams and ductwork.
Furniture Notes
- Industrial furniture is functional and utilitarian, with designs inspired by factory and warehouse equipment. Common pieces include metal stools, wooden tables with metal accents, and leather sofas.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Industrial interiors often incorporate elements like exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and vintage industrial signage.
- Repurposed items like factory carts or salvaged machinery may also be used as decorative accents. The style emphasizes a sense of ruggedness, simplicity, and practicality.
Modern Farmhouse Design Style
Modern Farmhouse design can be described as a blend of rustic and sleek as well as a mix of warmth, personality, and character. Modern Farmhouse combines traditional farmhouse materials with modern finishes for a fresh, updated look.
Here are some things you can expect to see within Modern Farmhouse interior design:
Materials
- Reclaimed wood is often paired with sleek materials like stainless steel or polished concrete to create contrast and visual interest.
- Contemporary materials with weathered finishes such as untreated, raw woods, exposed brickwork, and leathers and tiles with a patina
Fixtures
- Fixtures blend vintage-inspired details with contemporary designs, combining classic elements like large farmhouse sinks and exposed piping with clean lines and minimalist forms.
- Metal light fixtures; hardware; and architectural details, like railings, Rustic sconces, and dramatic light fixtures
Textures
- Textures are a mix of rustic and refined, with a focus on layering different materials to create depth and dimension. Shiplap walls, subway tile backsplashes, and plush textiles like cotton, canvas, wool, and chenille add texture and warmth to the space.
Colors
- Color palettes are similar to traditional farmhouse style but may incorporate more contrast and modern accents. Whites and neutrals provide a backdrop for pops of color like navy blue or charcoal gray, creating a balanced and cohesive look. Pops of natural colors like terracotta, dark green, and black aren’t uncommon.
Architectural
- Architectural elements retain the charm of farmhouse style but with a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic. Simple forms, clean lines, and open floor plans create a sense of modernity while still paying homage to traditional farmhouse architecture.
Furniture Notes:
- Furniture designs bridge the gap between rustic and contemporary, with clean lines and simple silhouettes. Pieces may feature a mix of wood and metal finishes, blending the warmth of farmhouse style with the sleekness of modern design.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Focuses on blending old and new, vintage and modern, to create a timeless yet updated look. Architectural salvage, industrial accents, and mixed-metal finishes are common design elements that add character and personality to the space.
Modern Hollywood Glam (Hollywood Regency) Design Style
Modern Hollywood Glam, also known as Hollywood Regency, is an unapologetically maximalist home style with high-contrast colors, lavish fabrics, and luxurious mirrored finishes.
Here are some things you can expect to see within Modern Glam interior design:
Materials
- Emphasizes luxurious and glamorous materials such as mirrored surfaces, lacquered finishes, and polished metals like gold or chrome.
- High-quality materials such as velvet, silk, faux fur, and marble are also commonly used to create a sense of opulence.
Fixtures
- Fixtures are typically ornate and statement-making, with intricate designs and glamorous finishes.
- Crystal chandeliers, sleek sconces, and sculptural lighting fixtures add drama and sophistication to the space.
Textures
- Textures are plush and indulgent, with a focus on softness and luxury.
- Velvet upholstery, silk draperies, and faux fur accents add tactile richness, while metallic accents and mirrored surfaces provide a sense of shimmer and shine.
Colors
- Color palettes are bold and dramatic, with a mix of vibrant jewel tones and high-contrast neutrals.
- Rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, and deep purple are often paired with black, white, or metallic accents for maximum impact. With
- Hollywood glam, leopard print is considered a neutral color.
Architectural
- Curved lines, geometric shapes, and architectural details like molding and trim add drama and visual interest to the space.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture designs are glamorous and statement-making, with bold silhouettes and luxurious finishes.
- Tufted upholstery, sleek lines, and sculptural forms are common features, while metallic accents and mirrored surfaces add a touch of glamour and sparkle.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Focuses on creating a sense of drama and decadence, with attention to detail and a commitment to luxury.
- Art Deco-inspired motifs, mirrored furniture, and oversized accessories like statement artwork or ornate mirrors are key design elements that evoke the glamorous spirit of Old Hollywood.
Scandinavian Design Style
Scandinavian design is a minimalist and functional approach to interior design that originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
Here’s an overview of its key characteristics:
Materials
- Scandinavian design emphasizes the use of natural materials such as wood, particularly light-colored woods like pine, birch, and ash. Other commonly used materials include leather, wool, and stone.
Fixtures
- Fixtures in Scandinavian homes tend to be simple, sleek, and often made of metal, such as stainless steel or brushed nickel. Lighting fixtures are typically minimalist and feature clean lines.
Textures
- Textures in Scandinavian interiors are often focused on creating warmth and coziness. This can be achieved through the use of soft, plush textiles like wool or sheepskin rugs, as well as textured fabrics for upholstery and curtains.
Colors
- The color palette in Scandinavian design is typically light and neutral, with a focus on whites, grays, and muted tones like beige and soft pastels. These colors help to create a sense of brightness and airiness in the space.
Architectural
- Scandinavian architecture often features clean lines, simple forms, and an emphasis on functionality. Large windows are common to maximize natural light, and open floor plans are often used to create a sense of space and flow.
Furniture Notes
- Furniture in Scandinavian design is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. Pieces are often sleek and modern in style, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Iconic Scandinavian furniture designs include the works of designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Alvar Aalto.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Scandinavian design prioritizes creating a sense of warmth and coziness, often achieved through the use of textiles, natural materials, and warm lighting.
- Elements of nature are often incorporated into the decor, such as houseplants or nature-inspired artwork.
- Sustainability and eco-friendliness are also important values in Scandinavian design, with an emphasis on using high-quality, durable materials that are built to last.
Tailor Our Interior Home Design Styles to You
There are so many ways to apply these styles within a new construction home. Regardless of what interior design style you prefer, you can tailor any of these to fit your preferences.
Additionally, there are many more styles to consider aside from the ones highlighted here. These are just a few of the design styles we offer at MN; more interior design topics to come. To learn more about our homes, check out our available homes and our presales program.